Show Notes

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Raising Informed Citizens: The Power of Civic Education and Engagement

Today, we’re tackling yet another topic that couldn’t be more relevant—civic education and the role we all play in shaping the next generation of informed citizens. Politics today is often framed as a battlefield, where division and outrage seem to dominate the conversation. But what if we approached it differently? What if we saw civic engagement not as a fight, but as a shared responsibility—one that starts at home?

My guest today is Lindsey Cormack, an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology. She’s the author of How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It), a book that explores the vital role parents play in helping their children understand our government, engage in politics constructively, and become active participants in democracy. Lindsey’s work also includes maintaining DC Inbox, a digital archive of congressional e-newsletters, giving her unique insight into how politics is communicated to the public.

In this conversation, we’ll discuss why civic education has been deprioritized, how media algorithms shape our perceptions, and why understanding different political perspectives is crucial for a healthy democracy. Most importantly, we’ll explore how parents and communities can work together to create a more informed and engaged electorate for the future.
 

Takeaways

• Civic education is essential for youth to understand their role in democracy.
• Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children about politics.
• The current education system often deprioritizes civics education.
• Political engagement should be framed positively, not negatively.
• Toxic polarization hinders constructive political discourse.
• Media algorithms often reinforce divisive narratives.
• Understanding both sides of the political spectrum is vital for informed citizenship.
• Civic engagement is a shared responsibility among parents and communities.
• Encouraging children to participate in politics can lead to a more informed electorate.
• The American political system, despite its flaws, is worth understanding and preserving.

Who is Lindsey Cormack?

Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology. She has authored two books, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it’s Up to You to Do It) and Congress and U.S. Veterans: From the GI Bill to the VA Crisis. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters at www.dcinbox.com. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8. 

Learn more about and connect with Lindsey Cormack online:

• Website: https://howtoraiseacitizen.com/
• Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.cormack
• Twitter link: https://x.com/DCInbox
• LinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseycormack/
• Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/howtoraiseacitizen/

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

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